Book description
How would first contact--on earth, in space, on another planet--transform our understandings of technology, philosophy, and what it means to be human? What kind of cognitive dissonance would society experience, if we discovered a previously unrecognized sentience on Earth? What would life be like if it originated in a frigid ocean beneath an impenetrable shell of ice? Or on a world whose haze obscures any view of the universe beyond? Or on an unfathomable scale in the depths of space? Or . . .Life--beyond us.Dive in as the European Astrobiology Institute presents fifty-four original SF Stories and Science Essays on life, from microbial to macro, from automatic to sagacious. Each speculative story is followed by a professional essay illuminating the scientific underpinnings of the story and providing a new window into the cutting-edge knowledge about exploration for life in the universe.SF STORIES BY: Eugen Bacon, Gregory Benford, Renan Bernardo, Jana Bianchi, Tobias S. Buckell, Eric Choi, Julie E. Czerneda, Tessa Fisher, Simone Heller, Valentin D. Ivanov, Mary Robinette Kowal, Lisa Jenny Krieg (translated by Simone Heller), Geoffrey A. Landis, Rich Larson, Liu Yang (translated by Ladon Gao), Lucie Lukačovičová, Premee Mohamed, G. David Nordley, Malka Older, Deji Bryce Olukotun, Tomás Petrásek, Brian Rappatta, Arula Ratnakar, D.A. Xiaolin Spires, Bogi Takács, Peter Watts, and B. Zelkovich.SCIENCE ESSAYS BY: Jacques Arnould, William Bains, José A. Caballero, Dimitra Demertzi, Martina Dimoska, Tessa Fisher, Dennis Höning, Valentin D. Ivanov, Fabian Klenner, Nina Kopacz, Geoffrey A. Landis, Natuschka Lee, Ania Losiak, Stephen Francis Mann, Connor Martini, Tony Milligan, Philippe Nauny, Julie Nováková, Erik Persson, Tomás Petrásek, Joanna Piotrowska, Giovanni Poggiali, Amedeo Romagnolo, Stefano Sandrelli, Floris van der Tak, Jan Toman, Sheri Wells-Jensen, and Raymond M. WheelerINTRODUCTION BY: Stephen BaxterFOREWORD BY: Julie NovákováAFTERWORDS BY: Wolf D. Geppert; Lucas K. Law & Susan ForestEDITED BY: Julie Nováková, Lucas K. Law & Susan ForestPrevious anthologies by Laksa Media (Strangers Among Us, The Sum of Us, Where the Stars Rise, Shades Within Us, Seasons Between Us) have been recommended by Publishers Weekly, Booklist (American Library Association), Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, School Library Journal, Locus, Foreword Reviews, and Quill & Quire.
Z-Boy
I'm in awe of how this app has made reading a part of my busy life. The statistics feature in ListenBook is a valuable tool for monitoring and optimizing my audiobook consumption. Navigating through chapters is a breeze. I can easily jump to the parts I want to listen to.
NexusNomad
I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. Audiobooks on this app have made me look forward to my long commutes. 🏃♂️📚 I'm conquering literary marathons with ease, all thanks to this app's intuitive controls and smooth functionality. 📱📖 The download options are versatile, making it a breeze to get my favorite audiobooks on the go. Decent narration, predictable story. The voice actor did a good job, but the plot followed a familiar formula. If you’re looking for something new and groundbreaking, this might not be it.
D-Hog-Day
I'm impressed by the app's performance – it's stable, fast, and tailored for audiobook enthusiasts. The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Instant Star
Audiobooks have become my favorite workout companions, making exercise a breeze. Thank you for making my reading goals more achievable and enjoyable. ListenBook's customizable features, from playback speed to audio filters, cater to every audiobook lover's preferences. I can't imagine my life without this app – it's my passport to countless stories. Looping playback helps me immerse myself in the content. It's my secret study weapon.
RawSkills
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. Simplifying my reading routine – this app's ease of use is remarkable. Navigating audiobooks with ease – this app's design is user-centric. The seamless integration with CarPlay adds convenience and entertainment during my daily commutes. Elegant design and user-friendly interface. Love it!
Easy Sweep
This app is a book lover's dream come true – a vast library right at your fingertips. The statistics tracking feature is eye-opening. I never realized how much time I spend on audiobooks until now!
Santa's Little Helper
Audiobook enjoyment without the hassle – this app's design is a win. The sleek and user-friendly interface makes navigating the app a breeze. It's a pleasure to use. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has transformed the audio quality. It's crystal clear now. This app is a game-changer for audiobook lovers! The interface is clean and easy to use. The voice boost feature is amazing. It makes every word crystal clear.
CyberScribe
Audiobooks have made long flights feel like a breeze – a true travel essential. I can't believe how much more I'm 'reading' now, thanks to this app. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. It’s a fun feature.
FlyGuardX
The extensive statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption habits – so cool! Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a brilliant way to connect.
Eye Devil
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch, combined with its chapters, controls, and filters, make it the ultimate audiobook app! ListenBook's loop and shuffle playback options are essential for my audiobook enjoyment and study.
ThoughtTrailblazer
I can't imagine my audio routine without ListenBook's seamless and user-friendly design. 🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop is a creative way to share the love of literature. ListenBook is the ultimate audiobook player. The app supports all formats, and the import process is seamless. I love the playback history feature—it’s so easy to revisit my favorite parts. Highly recommend this app!
Twitch
I never knew my daily walks could be so fulfilling – all thanks to this app. This app's convenience has made my audiobook addiction thrive! 🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 ListenBook's audio filters allow me to customize the audio playback to suit my preferences perfectly.
Hitch Frenzy
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance – it's like having a personal audiobook curator. ⏰ Waking up to audiobooks – mornings have never been this magical and inspiring! ☀️🎧
Murder Cherry
This app has made reading a part of my lifestyle, no matter where I am. Say hello to audiobook nirvana! This app's user-friendly design and comprehensive features have made my reading routine smoother than ever. 🌌📚 Automated artwork and metadata extraction keeps my audiobook library visually appealing. A masterclass in audiobook narration! The performer maintained perfect consistency in character voices throughout while keeping the main narration clear and engaging. The production was flawless - no weird edits or background noise. I'll be seeking out more works by this narrator.
Turnip King
The app's customization options allow me to tailor the listening experience to my liking. I'm amazed at how immersive the experience is – it's like being inside the story. As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. I'm hooked on ListenBook's silky-smooth playback, making my audio sessions truly enjoyable. ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a fascinating way to add a personal touch to my audiobook journey.
Doughboy, Esq
I'm blown away by ListenBook's ability to maintain audio quality even for formats like FLAC and AWB. The user-friendly interface and smooth navigation make this app a pleasure to use daily.
Father Abbot
This app has turned even the most ordinary moments into reading sessions. Effortlessly exploring new worlds – this app's design is user-centric and efficient. Automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a touch of elegance to my audiobook collection. ListenBook has elevated my learning experience. I'm retaining more information than ever.
InsightInkwell
This app has made literature accessible and engaging for all ages. ListenBook's support for multiple download methods ensures I can always access my favorite content. Audiobook immersion without fuss – this app's ease of use is commendable. The audio filters to adjust playback speed and volume are a fantastic addition for customizing my experience.
Back Bett
🚶♂️🌟 Embracing audiobooks as my companions during leisurely walks – nature and narratives, a perfect match! 🚶♂️🎧 🎧 Navigating through narratives has never been simpler – this app's functionality enhances my audiobook journey. 📚💫 The app is very easy to use. ListenBook makes managing my audiobook library simple. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve ever used. The app is packed with features like customizable skip intervals, playback speed, and sleep timers. The interface is clean and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use. Five stars! One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
PixelPathfinder
I'm amazed at how this app seamlessly integrates with my daily routine. Audiobooks have become my go-to entertainment, and this app is the reason. The noise reduction feature is a game-changer for clearer dictaphone recordings. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. ListenBook has become my trusted companion. It's my go-to app for expanding my knowledge and enjoyment.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience